Lil’ Radicals: Multicultural and Social Justice Publications for Kids in the 21st Century
April 6, 2019 – May 31, 2019
Booklyn, Inc. at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, 140 58th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220.

In recent years we have witnessed a new wave of storytelling in children’s literature in response to the wide diversity gap in children’s book publishing. But while so-called “diverse” characters and narratives emerge frequently from mainstream publishers, the results have been limited. Books that address marginalized histories and identities tend to stay safely within the bounds of a conservative book market, and in doing so center white, hetero and cis bodies, and reinforce capitalist or colonialist values/structures. Here’s https://socialjusticebooks.org/not-recommended-a-birthday-cake-for-george-washington/">one example.

We want to see a broad range of stylistic and narrative approaches to children’s publications that will both engage children, challenge standards, and surprise adult readers. We are interested in publications that specifically address the following topics:

Cultural or Ethnic Identity Environmental Justice Gender Identity Immigrant Identities & Immigration Rights LGBTQiA Disability Rights & Activism Feminism People’s History (histories typically marginalized or erased within U.S. Public School Education) Radical Education & Childcare Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety & Rights Social Justice Movements (i.e, #BlackLivesMatters, #MeToo, March for our Lives) General Activism & Civic Engagement So much more!

Please, no submissions specifically about electoral politics or political figures.

This exhibition draws inspiration from https://socialjusticebooks.org/">Social Justice Books, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/644099.Stories_for_Free_Children">Stories for Free Children, and https://www.akpress.org/staysolid.html">Stay Solid! A Radical Handbook for Youth.

Submission Details:

Artists are invited to submit 1 – 3 artworks for consideration, accepted media will include books, zines, comics, prints and posters. Works must have been created after the year 2000. Submissions are due by 12:00 p.m. EST, Feb. 18, 2019, accepted artists will be notified by March 1.

Artwork drop off will be March 18 – 22, 2019.  Artists are responsible for the drop off or shipment of works to Booklyn’s gallery in Sunset Park. This open call is free to apply.  All accepted artworks will be on consignment through Booklyn, Inc. Artists receive 55% commission on sales.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqz-o6XSSi8HyBzgoOL6Q20eriZVnxpVUyEQKUimzj60cD3Q/viewform">Apply here.

Please consider all aspects of exhibition, consignment, and deadlines before submitting. If you have any questions please feel free to contact hello@booklyn.org.